IMO it's good that ppl. on Gearslutz see and understand the real result of their actions. Like many consumers seem unable to do. (are we consumers, or are we "artisans"? or both?)
IME the "world" of CEOs and managers of multinational corporations (I count a few of them as my dearest friends), is VERY remote from the business reality of running a profitable production business. It has to do with shareholders, and profit margins on paper. Which practically means destruction of knowledge capital in favor of short range profit margins. Cutting cost is the key word. Building a client base, and development of a high quality and (intrinsic) value product INHOUSE are filthy words in the world of consumer electronics. Of course throwaway progress has a price. Like everything has a price (even shortcuts).
As can be seen here:
http://www.gearslutz.com/board/gear-...ion-china.html
These are China's prospects. It will overtake and halt their rush towards a technological advance (IMHO). And because we live on the same planet, these are ours as well. This is our responsibility as well.
VOTE with your wallet. There is ALWAYS an alternative.